OBEDIENCE IS A PREREQUISITE TO ACCEPTABLE WORSHIP [1 SAMUEL 15:18-23]

As simple as the word “obedience” sounds; this is a crucial factor that marks out true worshippers of God. The major difference between Saul and David was obedience. God gave Saul an instruction to destroy Amalek and wipe out everything and not spare man or animal. However, Saul spared the king of Amalek and the fat rams which he said he would use as sacrifice unto God and Samuel said to him, “…Behold it is better to obey than sacrifice...” When God says “obey”, you should obey and not plan to settle God.

In a well-taught church, members are trained to put a difference between what is holy and what is common in their businesses. I remember a brother who wanted to do business with a church project and brought an exorbitant bill with the excuse of him paying a big tithe in return. That is a big joker. It is synonymous to what Saul did. To obey is better than sacrifice. That was what Saul did and Samuel said, “Hath the LORD as great delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices, as in obeying the voice of the LORD?”

Sometimes, people think that it is what they want to bring that God needs - not at all. He is first interested in your submission to all He says you should do. Verse 23 says, “For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft...” That is how God sees it. God sees rebellion – when you don’t do what He wants you to do- in the same category as witchcraft. It is when you bow in obedience that you are a true worshipper.

PRAYER: Lord, I repent of every disobedience to your ordinances and instructions. I choose to obey you fully in Jesus’ name. Amen!